If you operate boilers, pressure vessels, or pressure piping in New Zealand, the Pressure Equipment, Cranes and Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999 (PECPR Regs) set the inspection framework you work within. Recent WorkSafe guidance has clarified how inspection intervals should be determined — and it is worth making sure your programme is aligned.
The PECPR Regs require that pressure equipment is inspected by a recognised inspection body at intervals set by the hazard level and design of the equipment. For most boilers and pressure vessels, that means a periodic in-service inspection on a defined cycle — but the interval is not always fixed. It can be extended or shortened based on the condition of the plant, the operating environment, and the inspection history.
What the recent guidance makes clear is that the decision to vary inspection intervals must be documented, technically justified, and sign-off must come from the inspection body — not from the plant operator alone. Insurers are increasingly scrutinising this, and WorkSafe has the power to require immediate inspection if they believe an interval is inappropriate.
For plant managers and engineering teams, the practical takeaway is straightforward: make sure your pressure equipment register is current, your inspection history is complete, and your intervals are set by your inspection body with a documented rationale — not simply rolled over from the previous year.
DEG Survey & Inspection is a WorkSafe recognised inspection body for pressure equipment under PECPR, holding IANZ accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020. We inspect boilers without superheat, hot water boilers, pressure vessels, pressure piping, air receivers, heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, and CCA tanks across New Zealand.
If your next inspection cycle is coming up or your register needs a review, talk to us.
Reference links:
WorkSafe — PECPR Regulations overview:
https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/pressure-equipment-cranes-and-passenger-ropeways/
PECPR Regulations 1999 (full text):
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/1999/0128/latest/whole.html